METRO DIGEST || Pothole fix fund

The Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that would put half of state surplus revenue into a new Local Government Road Improvement Fund to fix potholes and fund other local road projects.

“There is absolutely no reason Ohio needs to add more to the $2.5 billion in the Rainy Day Fund with the condition of our roads,” said state Rep. John Boccieri of Poland, D-59th, in a statement. “Finally, the legislature is listening to our citizens.”

“This bill is a common-sense measure to fix our roads and bridges. It helps local communities and helps create jobs,” said Michele Lepore-Hagan of Youngstown, D-58th.

According to a news release, counties would receive funds based on a tally of the length of center lane miles in each county.

The bill passed by a vote of 73-13 and will head to the state Senate for consideration.